Finding Meaning After Loss: Grief Workshops at Gilchrist

At Gilchrist, grief support doesn’t end when a loved one passes—it evolves into a journey of healing. Through individual counseling, support groups, and creative workshops, the Gilchrist grief team helps individuals and families find comfort, connection, and meaning in the wake of loss.

Through one-on-one counseling, support groups, and group workshops, Gilchrist offers a safe, supportive space for individuals to process their grief in a way that feels meaningful to them. According to the Hospice Foundation of America, creative grief workshops help people express complex emotions that may be difficult to articulate through words alone—offering new pathways to healing through art, storytelling, and hands-on projects. These group settings also reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community, allowing participants to connect with others who are navigating similar losses. Whether it’s through making an ornament, sewing a memory bear, or walking through nature in quiet reflection, these experiences help preserve legacies and promote emotional well-being.

Memory Bears and Pillows: A Hug from the Past

For many families, deciding what to do with a loved one’s clothing can be a painful and confusing step in the grieving process. The Memory Bear and Pillow Program provides a loving option. Families can choose to have a bear or pillow custom-sewn from their loved one’s clothing. These keepsakes come in a variety of forms—from huggable bears to throw pillows—and are crafted with great care by Gilchrist’s talented volunteer sewers.

“I’ll often visit the family in person to collect the clothing and spend time learning about their loved one,” says Allie Wolfing, Gilchrist grief counselor. “I want to understand which pieces mean the most so we can create something truly personal and comforting.” Families often share meaningful stories or personal details that inspire unique touches—like a miniature golf hat sewn onto a bear or patchwork made from a mix of flannel shirts, jeans, and favorite T-shirts. Some even choose to include a small voice recorder inside the bear or pillow that plays a loved one’s voicemail or special message. Each keepsake is finished with a tag that reads “Gilchrist With Love”—a quiet but powerful reminder of compassion in every thread.

Ornament Workshop and the Festival of Trees

Each fall, Gilchrist invites grieving individuals and families to participate in an ornament-making workshop, culminating in the decoration of a tree featured at the Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees. Attendees of all faiths are welcome to create an ornament for the tree, as well as to take one home for themselves. The ornaments are displayed on Gilchrist’s Festival of Trees tree, which is sold to support Kennedy Krieger. Participants who create ornaments are also entered into a raffle for free tickets to attend the event and see their creations on display.

The themes vary each year—previous workshops have featured hearts, elephants, origami cranes, and even cooking motifs inspired by the grief book Tear Soup. Regardless of the theme, participants find themselves connecting not only with their creative side but also with others navigating loss. “People sometimes come in unsure and quiet,” Allie shares. “But by the end, they’re sharing stories and exchanging numbers. It’s like an informal grief group, and it’s beautiful to witness.”

Other Creative Offerings: Nature Walks, Sand Art, and More

In addition to the ongoing projects, Gilchrist’s grief team frequently introduces new and seasonal workshops. Many of these workshops create space for conversation, connection, and often organically becoming informal support groups where people share stories and offer mutual comfort.

Past offerings have included:

• Sand Art Workshops that use layered colors to represent emotions and memories.
• Nature-Based Grief Walks in local parks, where participants reflect and connect with nature in a peaceful, guided setting.
• Journaling and Collage Workshops, offering prompts and tools for those who find solace through writing or visual storytelling.
• Legacy Book Projects and Wellness Days that combine multiple creative and reflective activities into one enriching experience.
• Memory Box Workshop, whereattendees decorate keepsake boxes to hold photos, letters, jewelry, or small belongings of their loved one. The boxes—often donated from cigar shops—are transformed with paint, decoupage, and other materials into deeply personal tributes. Loved ones can also incorporate photos, handwritten notes, or symbolic objects into their designs.

A Lasting Impact

Grief workshops at Gilchrist are more than just crafts. They’re opportunities for healing, storytelling, and connection. They allow families to keep their loved one’s memory alive—whether through the hug of a handmade bear, a cherished ornament hanging on the tree, or a decorated box filled with treasures.

To learn more about Gilchrist’s grief support programs or upcoming legacy workshops, visit gilchristcares.org or call 888-823-8880.